Why have so many undocumented immigrants come to the United States in recent decades? An American exceptionalist point of view would answer, “Of course, illegals want to come to our country. Their countries are poor, and America is the greatest country in the world.”

This answer neglects history; let’s look first at Mexico. Up until 1993, the Mexican Constitution protected the price of corn grown by Mexican farmers. But in exchange for getting in on NAFTA, Mexico had to relinquish this protection. As a result, American corn flooded the Mexican market, undercutting Mexican farmers and forcing millions of them off their farms. Where did many go to support their families? The U.S. Clearly the U.S., in implementing NAFTA and benefiting a few American CEOs at the expense of millions of Mexican people, is at least partially responsible for this.

In more recent years we have seen an influx of people from Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. Gang warfare in these countries, fueled by illicit drug activity, has made life incredibly dangerous. Who are the main users demanding illicit drugs? Americans. In addition, these countries have been beset by unstable political situations. In 1954 the US CIA overthrew the president of Guatemala because he nationalized the business of the United Fruit Company there, leading to a 40-year civil war. In 2009 the U.S. supported a right-wing coup overthrowing the left-wing president of Honduras. And in El Salvador, the U.S. has for decades supported right-wing forces that kept a wealthy elite in power against the interests of the majority of the people.

U.S. policy has had much to do with the suffering of these countries and the decision of many residents to emigrate to the U.S. Isn’t it only fair that we protect those who have braved serious obstacles to come here? But this is illegal, it is argued. Again, let’s look at history. Many of us are lucky enough that our ancestors came to this country before immigration laws and quotas were established. But later, fear of foreigners and racism led to quotas, and in the case of the Chinese, outright exclusion in 1882. While we are a nation of laws, our laws need to be based on our principles. Are racism and xenophobia principles that should support immigration laws? That is why our council was right to establish a protective ordinance, just as other local jurisdictions around the country are acting to do what is right rather than necessarily what is “legal”. One final point related to the council’s decision to adopt the ordinance rather than letting it go through a rancorous campaign and a vote of the people: CHARLOTTESVILLE. Need I say more?

Turnoy is a retired teacher, author of a young adult history book, and current chair of the San Juan County Democratic Party. For a more detailed version of this article, please see the Sounder online.